Top 10 Best Beginner Cameras for Photography
Cameras are typically divided into two categories, DSLR or mirrorless. A DSLR camera, also known as a traditional camera, has an interchangeable lens. A mirrorless camera has one fixed lens and cannot swap lenses.
Consider some essential factors when looking for the best beginner camera. If you are planning to buy a new camera for yourself, you should know that a beginner camera should be easy to use and has good image quality.
The first step you should do is to check if the camera you are going to buy is compatible with your smartphone. This will make the process of buying a new camera easier for you. You will not have to carry around the new camera with your smartphone. Moreover, if you want to have a camera that is compatible with smartphones, you should check out the best DSLR cameras.
The second thing you should check is the price. Asking about the prices of the best beginner cameras is a great way to start buying a new camera.
You should also take into account the size of the lens. This is a critical factor to consider before purchasing a new camera—the smaller the lens, the more light is needed to capture the picture. So, it would be best if you opted for the best beginner camera with a larger lens.
The price is the last thing you should remember when buying a new camera. There are many cheap cameras available on the market. However, you should only purchase cheaper cameras if they provide you with the desired image quality.
To help you find the best beginner camera, I have reviewed the best beginner cameras from the last year. I have also included the likes and dislikes of each camera.
Table of Contents
1 – Canon EOS Rebel T7
If you want to get into photography, you want to take advantage of the Canon EOS Rebel T7.
This DSLR is perfect for beginners because it has all the essentials. It comes with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and a wide ISO range of 100-6400 (H: 12800), so it can handle many different situations. The 24.1 Megapixel sensor means that you can capture stunning photos with ease.
While some other cameras have a sensor size of 16-24 Megapixels, the EOS Rebel T7 has a much larger sensor size of 24.1 Megapixels. The higher resolution means you'll get more detailed images and need good storage space. So if you're planning on taking many photos, then the Canon EOS Rebel T7 will be a good fit.
Another great feature of this camera is its wide ISO range of 100-6400 (H: 12800). This means that you'll be able to shoot in a wide range of lighting conditions, even when you're not in a studio. The camera also has a 4K video recording mode, giving you much flexibility.
This DSLR is also versatile and has interchangeable lenses. It has a standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that's great for beginners and a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens for more advanced users. These lenses will help you take professional-looking photos and videos.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can quickly transfer your photos to your smartphone or tablet.
Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an excellent choice for beginners. It's versatile, easy to use, and has a high-resolution sensor.
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Optical Viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam. Compatible Lenses- Canon EF Lenses (including EF-S lenses, excluding EF-M lenses)
What do you like best?
The EOS Rebel T7 is the perfect camera for me. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It takes excellent pictures, and the photo editing tools allow me to add artistic effects to the images. I also love taking photos wherever I go and sharing them with friends and family.
What do you dislike?
There is not much I don't like about this camera. The only thing I dislike is that sometimes the battery only lasts for a short time, but that is fine with the camera.
2 – Nikon Coolpix B500
The Nikon Coolpix B500 is a great compact digital camera. It's the ideal companion for anyone who loves taking pictures.
The lens is super-telephoto, giving you a 40x optical zoom. But there's also a built-in 80x Dynamic Fine Zoom that effectively doubles the lens's reach. The Nikon Coolpix B500 is equipped with Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR), which helps stabilise the images and is especially useful for shooting longer distances.
The 16-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor and the D-Movie feature are excellent for low-light photography. The Coolpix B500 also has a 3.0-inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder. You can also record movies and play them back on the large display.
The Nikon Coolpix B500 is a tiny, lightweight camera that's easy to carry around. It's also water-resistant and dustproof to capture clear images and videos even in harsh conditions.
The Nikon Coolpix B500 is a great compact digital camera. It's the ideal companion for anyone who loves taking pictures.
- 16 megapixel 1/2.3 inches BSI CMOS sensor
- Nikkor f/3.0 6.5 millimeter ED lens
- 22.5 900 millimeter (35 millimeter equivalent)
- 40x optical zoom lens, 80x dynamic zoom
- 3 inches 921k dot tilting LCD. Highest ISO sensitivity: 6400
What do you like best?
This fantastic camera has everything I look for in a compact camera. It is small enough to fit in my bag but powerful enough to handle all my needs. I love the ability to change lenses; it is a joy to shoot with this camera. I also really appreciate that the image quality is so good.
What do you dislike?
I am concerned about the battery life of this camera. I can get over 3 hours of continuous shooting, but when I start recording videos, I can't get more than 20 minutes of continuous video before the battery dies. I understand it is supposed to last much longer, but I hope they can fix it.
3 – Panasonic LUMIX G7KS
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 is a compact, lightweight camera with excellent picture quality and many useful features.
It's a capable camera delivers excellent picture quality and can produce detailed shots. It's also an easy-to-use camera that offers an array of valuable features.
It's a perfect entry-level model with a lot to offer photographers of all levels. It's also very affordable, and the price is reasonable.
This camera is smaller than a typical DSLR, but it still has a good grip and a nice shape. It also feels pretty sturdy.
This camera is easy to use, and it has a complete set of controls and buttons, including the power switch, mode dial, shutter button, record button, and a full set of exposure controls.
This camera is small, so it's easy to carry around and use in various situations.
I love the viewfinder, and the touchscreen display is easy to use, and it's also very clear and bright. The screen is also big enough to see details clearly, and the screen tilts up and down to suit different angles.
The camera has an ISO range of 100-12800, and the default setting is ISO 200. The maximum shutter speed is 1/32,000 sec., and the maximum aperture is F2.8.
The camera has a good assortment of manual modes and a PASM mode that lets you choose from various shooting modes and the shutter speed.
You can shoot in JPEG or RAW mode, supporting Raw+JPEG recording.
When shooting in RAW mode, the camera will automatically create a copy of the image in RAW format so you can edit the image later.
The image quality is excellent, and it's easy to adjust the white balance using the RGB and colour sliders. You can also choose between Natural and Vivid styles.
This camera is compatible with a wide variety of lenses, including Micro Four Thirds lenses, and a complete set of adapters and lenses are included in the package.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 is a perfect entry-level camera, and it's an excellent choice for anyone who wants a compact, versatile camera that can produce high-quality images.
- Superb DSLM image quality without the bulk and weight of traditional DSLRs
- Never miss a photo with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes
- Fast and precise auto focusing tracks the subject; Focus mode AFS (single) / AFF (flexible) / AFC (continuous) / MF, AF mode face/eye detection / tracking / 49 area / custom Multi / 1 area / pinpoint
- Class leading, ultra compact, interchangeable lens and accessory option; HDMI: MicroHDMI TypeD / VIERA Link,video: Auto / 4K / 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p, Audio: Stereo
- Unwire your creativity with integrated Wi Fi sharing
What do you like best?
I love the size of this camera. It's easy to carry around, and it's very light. I love that you can quickly access the ISO, shutter speed, and other settings.
What do you dislike?
The video quality was pretty bad. I had to use the photo mode to get good pictures. It took work to get a clear picture. The camera was a little loud too.
4 – Panasonic LUMIX FZ300
The Panasonic Lumix FZ300K is a popular long-zoom camera for travel, and the reason is simple – it's excellent value for money.
It's the Lumix FZ200K successor, and Panasonic has done an excellent job updating the camera. It now has a 4K video, and the sensor is better.
Panasonic has also improved the camera's ergonomics, with a more comfortable grip, and the LCD screen is now touch-sensitive, making it easier to operate.
You get a 24x optical zoom and can also zoom in via electronic zoom. You'll also find a dedicated AF mode and an improved viewfinder.
The battery life is good, and the camera is splashproof. You can use the camera underwater for up to 10 meters.
Overall, it's a good choice for travel, and if you're looking for a reliable camera that won't disappoint, this is a good option.
- 4K video and 4K photo: Panasonic’s exclusive 4K photo technology uses 30 frames per second in high resolution 4K ultra HD video to extract them as photos; You’ll never miss that moment again
- Leica DC Vario Elmarit lens: 24x zoom (25 600 millimeter with Full zoom range F2; 8 aperture for enhanced low light shooting meeting the stringent quality standards established by Leica
- High image Quality: The 12.1 Megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor with the venus engine excels in diffraction compensation, yielding images that are crisp and Free from artifacts associated with small aperture settings
- Rugged Camera Design: Splash Proof/dustproof rugged camera design with tight seals on every Joint, dial and button, so it stands up to harsh weather conditions and challenging
- 5 Axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer Plus: Reduces blur from 1 handed video shooting by compensating for 5 types of movement; Level shot function detects horizon line and maintains it, even if the camera is tilted
What do you like best?
We bought this camera for our videographer, and it's been great. It has a sturdy build, and I've seen many beneficial features. I'm looking forward to using it for our videographer.
What do you dislike?
I haven't found anything I don't like about this camera yet. I'd like to see more details about the video editing options.
5 – OLYMPUS Tough TG-6
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a rugged, waterproof camera. It's built to handle the rigours of any outdoor adventure. It's waterproof to a depth of 14m / 46ft for 30 minutes. And because it's tough, it can handle any environment.
It's a compact, lightweight camera that's perfect for beginners. Still, it's packed with pro features like a 6x zoom lens, 4K video recording, a dual-axis electronic viewfinder and built-in WiFi. It has a 2-inch, high-res LCD screen.
The Tough TG-6 is built to take a beating. It's IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, and it's even designed to withstand drops from a height of 1.5m / 5ft. It's shockproof too, which means it's built to withstand drops from a height of 1.5m / 5ft.
So, if you're looking for a rugged, waterproof camera, this is the one for you.
I use this camera on all my adventures. It's perfect for taking photos of my dog when I go hiking and keeping me updated on what's happening worldwide.
I recommend this camera to anyone who loves the outdoors, whether you're into skiing or scuba diving.
- Water proof (50 feet /15 meter), dust proof, shock proof (7 feet / 2.1 meter), crush proof (100 kgf), freeze proof (14 degree Fahrenheit / -10 degree Celsius), anti-fog
- High resolution F2.0 lens, maximum 8x zoom, true pic VIII, back illuminated CMOS image sensor
- Variable macro system comprised of 4 macro shooting modes, magnified shooting up to 1 centimeter from the end of the lens
- 5 underwater shooting modes including underwater microscope, 3 underwater white balance modes
- 4K movie and full HD 120 fps high speed movies can be recorded. Battery life – Approx. 340 Images (using Toshiba SDHC UHS-I Card Exceria with is on, based on CIPA testing standards). Approx. 50 minutes (under standard JEITA testing). Approx. 110 minutes (when zoom and other operational functions are not used). When repeatedly recording at the maximum time of 29 minutes
What do you like best?
I like this camera because it is compact and lightweight and has outstanding picture quality. Its size is also very suitable for taking pictures in various situations, such as travelling.
What do you dislike?
The camera has minimal memory, and when the memory is filled, the camera shuts down. It is inconvenient to use the camera without sufficient memory.
6 – Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
This is an excellent choice if you're looking for a versatile camera that won't break the bank but want to do some heavy vlogging.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact powerhouse that will help you capture everything from daily life to epic adventures.
It's built to be used in various situations, indoors and outdoors, so you can capture all sorts of footage.
With the powerful 20.1-megapixel 1.0-inch stacked CMOS sensor, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III can take stunning photos.
There are plenty of modes to choose from, including RAW, P, A, and S modes, and you can even shoot 4K video.
Its 4.2x optical zoom lets you get up close and personal with whatever you're capturing, while the wide-angle lens allows for some creative perspective shots.
The PowerShot G7 X Mark III features a large 1.0-inch display with touchscreen controls for a user-friendly experience.
You can use the touch screen to change settings, focus on subjects, and navigate through menus; plus, there are dedicated buttons for shooting, adjusting settings, and reviewing images.
If you want to connect to WiFi, you'll be pleased to know that the PowerShot G7 X Mark III has a built-in WiFi module.
An NFC (Near Field Communication) module lets you connect with compatible devices, like smartphones, so you can quickly transfer images to your phone and share them online.
The PowerShot G7 X Mark III has an ISO range of 100-12,800, and you can select from 6 shutter speeds, including 1/4000 sec., 1/8000 sec., 1/12,000 sec., 1/25 sec., 1/60 sec., and 1/125 sec.
A built-in flash is essential for low-light shooting, and the PowerShot G7 X Mark III can use the camera's built-in flash for fill-in flash.
In addition, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III has a maximum resolution of 4K (3,840 x 2,160) and a maximum sensitivity of 100-12,800 ISO.
It can capture HD (720p) video at 30fps, 60fps, and 120fps, and it's equipped with an optical stabiliser to reduce the effects of handshake and vibrations.
You can use two memory card slots (SD and SDHC) to store your videos.
Regarding connectivity, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and supports Bluetooth and WiFi.
If you're considering taking your vlogging or photo-taking skills to the next level, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a great choice.
- 20.1 Megapixel 1.0” stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 Image processor.
- 4.2x optical zoom Lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) with optical image Stabilizer.
- 4K 30P/ FHD 120P video.
- Turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam–Learn more: canon.us/livestream
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
What do you like best?
The most helpful thing about this camera is that it is super easy to use. Once I learned how to navigate the menu system, I could shoot pretty much anything without difficulty.
What do you dislike?
When I first started using this camera, I found it frustrating that it would sometimes not recognise the focus. After a bit of fiddling around, I realised it was because I had my lens set to manual. I should have known that the camera was smart enough to set the focus automatically.
7 – Canon EOS M50
The EOS M50 Mark II is Canon's first 24.1MP mirrorless camera, and it's designed to be a versatile, creative tool for anyone who wants to produce content.
It's not the first mirrorless camera to be announced, but it's the first to be announced with an actual product. The announcement wasn't surprising, as Canon was rumoured to be releasing a mirrorless camera since April.
What is surprising is that Canon didn't release a DSLR. Instead, it released the EOS M50. This camera is meant for the masses, with a 24.1MP sensor that can capture 4K video at 60fps.
For vloggers, there are many benefits to having a 24MP sensor, which is much larger than the 18MP of other cameras. This allows vloggers to capture more detail, making their videos look more professional.
While it's not the only camera to feature a 24MP sensor, it is the first mirrorless camera to be announced with one. There were rumours of other cameras with 24MP sensors but no official announcements.
The EOS M50 Mark II features a 24.1MP sensor, more prominent than the 24MP sensor found on the Nikon Z6 and the Sony A6400. The EOS M50 Mark II also has a slightly smaller 1.03x crop factor, which is 1.05x compared to the 1.03x crop factor of the A6400 and the 1.09x crop factor of the Z6.
The EOS M50 Mark II can also record 4K video at 60fps. While the Sony A6400 and the Nikon Z6 have 30fps 4K video, the EOS M50 Mark II can record at 60fps.
The EOS M50 Mark II can also capture 4K video at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
The EOS M50 Mark II is a compact camera, so it's not as bulky as many DSLRs. It's 7.3 x 4.4 x 2.5 inches and weighs 5.7 ounces. It's also lighter than many DSLRs, weighing only 6.3 ounces.
It's also much smaller than many DSLRs, and it's only slightly larger than the Fujifilm X-T3.
The EOS M50 Mark II is an excellent choice for vloggers and anyone who wants a versatile camera to capture great-looking video.
- 24.1 megapixel (aps-c) cmos sensor with iso 100-25600 (h: 51200).
- Digic 8 image processor with auto lighting optimizer.
- Improved dual pixel cmos af and eye detection af (still/movie servo af support).
- 4k uhd 24p and hd 120p for slow motion.
- Vari-angle touchscreen lcd convenient for vlogging and various composition.
What do you like best?
The new lens is absolutely stunning! The overall quality of the image is fantastic, and the colours are vibrant. I've never seen an image so clear and sharp. I'm excited to try out the new features in Eye Detection and Face Detection.
What do you dislike?
The battery life is pretty poor. I am shooting much video, and it doesn't seem to last very long. It could be the power mode, but it seems inconsistent.
8 – Sony Alpha a6000
If you're in the market for a new mirrorless camera, the Sony a6000 is a good option.
It's a sleek, compact model that's easy to use and has several great features.
While the Sony a6000 isn't the most advanced camera in terms of its image quality, it does have many features that set it apart.
The first thing to note is the 24.3MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, a standard across Sony cameras.
With this sensor, you can expect incredibly detailed shots and fast autofocus. It's also the first APS-C sensor that's been able to capture 4K video.
The Sony a6000 also has a bright 3.0 inch Xtra Fine LCD screen, a nice feature for watching videos or checking out your photos.
You can also take advantage of the built-in WiFi and NFC, which also supports Apple AirDrop.
Overall, this is an excellent camera for anyone who needs a simple and easy-to-use mirrorless camera.
What do you like best?
The Sony A6000 is a great camera. It is compact, lightweight, easy to use and has excellent image quality. The EVF is great, but I still like the optical viewfinder better.
What do you dislike?
The battery life on the camera is limited. You can charge it with the battery charger that comes with it. But the battery takes a while to charge fully.
9 – Panasonic LUMIX G100
The Panasonic Lumix G100 is the newest addition to the Lumix line of cameras. It's a smaller and lighter camera than its predecessor, the GX8, which is a good thing.
The G100 is a genuine, full-frame camera, which means it uses the same sensor size as the GX8 but is much smaller. It also has a more prominent and brighter viewfinder, a higher resolution display, and a better built-in screen.
It's the ideal travel camera for people like me who tend to take a lot of pictures and videos on the go, but it's not designed to be a point-and-shoot, and it doesn't do a great job of that.
The G100 is also built around the Micro Four Thirds system, which is slightly less expensive than the APS-C and full-frame systems. It's a smaller system, but it allows for smaller and lighter cameras to be made.
There's also a smaller and lighter kit lens for the G100, which is ideal for travel, but you might want to get something else if you're using it as your primary camera.
It's tiny and lightweight, but the battery life could be better. You can expect about 150 shots on a full charge, but that's a little for a camera of this size.
You can also use the G100 to connect to your phone or tablet and start recording or stop the recording remotely. There's also a feature that allows you to record in 4K.
It's not the most affordable camera, but it's worth the money for what it does.
- Feature-Packed Camera: Why trust your memories to a phone. With exceptional performance and versatility, the LUMIX G100 captures life in crystal-clear 4K photo, 4K 24p 30p video, and advanced audio
- Grows as Your Skills Grow: iA (intelligent auto) mode gives the perfect shot every time, or use manual modes as your skills sharpen; Micro Four Thirds system is compatible with all LUMIX lenses for any adventure; 12-32mm lens included
- Use as a Webcam: Easily connect the G100 to your computer so that your web calls, livestreams, interviews, and media all look crisp, bright, and professional
- Shoot, Transfer, Edit, Share: Features guide you at every step—frame marker for social media aspect ratios; facial recognition; blur-free dual image stabilization and V-Log L recording. Upload to smartphone seamlessly
- Advanced 360-Degree Sound: High-performance microphone with tracking audio auto-adjusts to record clearly inside or outside, in crowds, one-on-ones, nature, and more; lightweight camera for one-handed recording
What do you like best?
I love the way this camera is set up. It has many features, and it is very user-friendly. The image quality is good, and the camera has an outstanding design. It has a good range of settings and is easy to use.
What do you dislike?
Nothing really. It's an excellent camera.
10 – Sony Alpha ZV-E10
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 is an excellent mirrorless camera that can easily compete with DSLRs. It's fast but also tiny and light, making it easy to carry around.
Sony has done a fantastic job making this camera small and lightweight. While the E-mount lens system is relatively small compared to a DSLR, it's still very usable. There are 24 lenses available for it, and you can easily swap lenses depending on your needs.
There are two main reasons why I chose the Alpha ZV-E10 over my current DSLR. Firstly, the size and weight of the camera are far more comfortable to carry around. Secondly, the E-mount lens system is much easier to use than a DSLR since it's smaller and lighter.
In terms of speed, the Alpha ZV-E10 is undoubtedly faster than my DSLR. I could shoot for 30 minutes at 4K with no noticeable lag. The AF is also swift and responsive, making it easy to capture the action.
While the image quality isn't as good as my DSLR, it's still very sharp. The colours are rich and vivid, and you won't notice any moire or aliasing. The dynamic range also captures bright sunlight and dark shadows in one shot.
The biggest downside of this camera is its price. The body alone is $1300, which is very expensive. On top of that, there's also the lens system, which can cost anywhere from $700 to $1000. However, the quality of the camera is worth the investment.
I love this camera because it's a perfect vlogging camera. It's small and light, making it easy to carry around, and it's excellent image quality. If you're looking for a mirrorless camera, I recommend the Sony Alpha ZV-E10.
- Large 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor and fast BIONZ X processor
- 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
- Product Showcase Setting transitions focus from face to object
- Background Defocus button instantly toggles between defocus effect on/off
- Easy live streaming w/ single USB cable and no extra hardware/software
What do you like best?
The Alpha ZV-E10 is a good choice for vloggers who want to shoot high-quality videos but do not need the ability to change lenses. It is compact and light, with a solid build quality. The flip-out LCD screen is large and clear, making it easy to see the image you are shooting and easy to use for editing and viewing.
Multiple audio recording modes can be adjusted during recording, including mono, stereo, and quad. Other features include adjustable frame rate, manual focus, time-lapse, intervalometer, and automatic exposure bracketing.
What do you dislike?
The price can be a little steep. While it may be hard to find a used one, it is possible. The Alpha ZV-E10 has auto-focusing issues when shooting in bright sunlight.
Concluding the Best Beginner Cameras
In conclusion, This list will show you all of the best cameras to start with, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Hopefully, you will find something that you will enjoy using. So, which camera should you choose? Well, it depends on your personal preference. The cameras we've listed here are the same as the ones you can buy at a store like B & H Photo or Amazon.
But there are a few things to remember when purchasing a camera. First off, you'll want to get a camera that has the most basic features. So, we've included cameras with both manual and automatic modes so that you can pick the one that works best for you. We've also listed cameras that are good for beginners because they're affordable and offer great value. So, which camera should you get?
I recommend the Canon T7 as it offers excellent value, a nice feature set, and outstanding performance. It's the best camera for most people. The second-best option is the Canon M50. This is an excellent camera that takes great photos and has potential.
If you're willing to spend more money, the third option is the Sony Alpha ZV E-10. This camera offers the best balance of image quality, features, value, and potential, making it the best choice for most people. But if you want to save money, go with the last option.
Last update on 2024-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
